Otavalo & Cotacachi Markets Tour
Description
After being picked up from a hotel in Quito or the meeting point, you'll leave Quito behind and head north on the Pan-American Highway, reaching Cayambe, an Andean province nestled in the valley and surrounded by high mountains.
You'll make a stop along your route to taste traditional Ecuadorian bizcocho de Cayambe, wood-oven baked pastries accompanied by a mozzarella-style soft cheese or dulce de leche - a delicious treat!
With happy taste buds, your trip will continue, stopping at the "Miralago" viewpoint, from which you'll enjoy incredible panoramic views over San Pablo Lake, the Imbabura volcano, and the surrounding villages.
The tour will then arrive at Otavalo, a city famous worldwide for its indigenous market. Here, you'll be offered the option between staying and spending the rest of your day in Otavalo or continuing on the route to Cotacachi. If you remain in Otavalo, you'll be able to explore the city at your own pace, discovering its amazing cultural diversity and losing yourself in the vibrant Plaza de los Ponchos, also known as the Mercado de Otavalo.
If you prefer to visit Cotacachi, you'll make a stop along the route to visit a traditional workshop in Peguche where Andean musical instruments are made. You'll be left speechless by the sheer number of handcrafted wind, string and percussion instruments that decorate the walls.
Having arrived in Cotacachi, you'll have free time to have lunch, visit the town, and explore its fascinating leather and wool shops. Discover the great importance of leatherwork for the Ecuadorian economy.
After visiting Cotacachi, you'll return to Otavalo to pick up those who stayed behind. The bus will wait at the arranged meeting point ready for the return to hotels in Quito. We'll arrive back in the capital at approximately 8 hours after initial pickup.
Options
When making a reservation, you can choose from one of the following options:
Tour without pickup
If you prefer to get to the meeting point on your own, you should meet at the Hotel NH Collection at 7:30 am.
Tour with pickup
If you choose this option, we'll pick you up at the time indicated at one of the following hotels in Quito, which you can choose from in the following list:
- Patio Andaluz: at 7 am
- Hilton Colón: at 7:15 am
- Mercure Alameda: at 7:20 am
- Reina Isabel: at 7:25 am
- Río Amazonas: at 7:25 am
- NH Collection: at 7:30 am
- Swissotel: at 7:30 am
- Holiday Inn: at 7:35 am
- J.W. Marriott: at 7:35 am
- Wyndham Garden: at 7:40 am
- Dann Carlton: at 7:50 am
- Le Parc: at 7:50 am
- Sheraton: at 7:50 am
When making your reservation, please indicate which of the previous hotels you'd like to be picked up from.
Price
More Information
Duration
8 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.
Included
Hotel pick up and drop off (optional)
English speaking guide
Tasting of bizcochos de Cayambe
Visit to Peguche traditional instrument making workshop
Visit to Cotacachi (optional)
When to book?
You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
Provider
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Liv Ecuador
Corporate name: Proactivo Capital Group, LLC
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How long will we spend in Otavalo?
A - About one hour.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 3 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
